INTERPRETING SERVICES
Interpreting is central and core to all services provided by the Deaf Action Center. This being so because no matter the service provided or the resource accessed there must be an appropriate and effective method of communicating. Given the language complexity of the Community – from those with minimal formal sign language skill to those bi-lingual persons proficient in both American Sign Language and English – the Center employs a compliment of individuals possessing, or training to acquire, the knowledge and skills necessary to accommodate the needs of such a client disparity. Interpreters may be requested for situations ranging from community functions e.g., theatre, meetings, lectures, and formal classes to the more individualized appointments e.g., a doctor visit, applying for a loan, or a wedding.
Request an interpreter
How to become an interpreter
For emergency interpreting assistance, please call the Deaf Action Center office at 318-425-7781.
VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING (VRI)
Video Remote Interpreting, or VRI, uses videoconferencing technologies to access sign language interpreting services without an interpreter on site. DAC can provide this service to customers all over the country. Video Remote Interpreting can be used in situations such as staff meetings, doctor visits, conferences, or training sessions. Instead of having an interpreter physically present with the deaf and hearing parties, the interpreter is located at DAC's offices and facilitates communication remotely, saving the cost of mileage, travel time, and two-hour minimums. Many businesses can utilize the teleconferencing equipment that they already have on site. VRI interpretation may be arranged in advance, or requested on-demand. Different charges and minimums apply.
For more information contact Earl Harden at 318-425-7781.
CERTIFICATION TESTING (RID and EIPA)
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is a national organization and a certifying body for those persons wishing to engage in the practice of interpreting. With new laws mandating qualified interpreting and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, RID has developed standards of practice, including a code of ethics, for interpreters. A formal written examination and video-taped performance tests are the methods utilized to evaluate the skill of interpreter candidates. The Deaf Action Center has been designated a Super Site (Site #115), a satellite of RID, whereby a candidate may petition to take the RID written examination, and upon successful completion, evaluation of interpretation and transliteration skills.
The Center also serves as a testing site for the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment developed by Brenda Schick and Kevin T. Williams. The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) is a tool designed to evaluate the voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice interpreting skills of interpreters who work in the elementary and secondary school classroom setting. The EIPA evaluates the ability to expressively interpret classroom content and discourse and the ability to receptively interpret student or teen sign language. It is not limited to any one sign language or system. EIPA is used to evaluate interpreters who work with students and teenagers who use predominately American Sign Language (ASL), Manually-Coded English (MCE) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE).
Areas the EIPA Does and Does Not Evaluate: Some professional skills can only be assessed by administrators/educators in the school district. The EIPA does not assess the interpreter’s performance as a member of the professional team, how well the interpreter performs as a professional (i.e., follows professional guidelines), or how well the interpreter completes duties other than interpreting, such as tutoring and aiding.